Are Dandelion Seeds Poisonous to Horses?

Dandelions, a bright yellow flower, grow just about anywhere, including in your horse's pasture. Children commonly catch and release dandelion seeds for fun. Dandelion seed contains no nutrients, risk or benefit to horses. The plant, however, provides needed nutrients.
    • Dandelions provide essential nutrients for horses. Dandelions are good for humans, too.

    Seed Description

    • Dandelions lose their yellow color, transforming into a cloud of fluffy white seeds that the wind picks up and transports to a new location, where the seed takes root, blossoming into the bright yellow weed.

    Nutrients

    • Dandelions provide a source of iron, copper and potash. Dandelions contain vitamin A and C.

    Benefits

    • The yellow dandelion flower promotes wound healing, fertility and white blood cell production. The substantial content of Vitamin C has been used for arthritis. The sap helps with viral infections.

    Quantity

    • Feed your horse around a salad bowl of dandelions a day, or allow the horse to harvest them naturally while in his pasture.

    Warnings

    • Dandelions may be confused with larger yellow flowers such as Hawksweed and Sow Thistles. Too much dandelion can cause colic or intestinal discomfort. If dandelions take over a pasture, use a natural eradication method to eliminate dandelions and allow grasses to grow unhindered.